USC Dornsife in the News

Friday, March 27, 2015

Voice of America's "Science World" featured research by Travis Longcore of spatial sciences and colleagues on how LED light bulbs could be customized in ways that lower the spread of infectious diseases. The Atlantic's CityLab reported that LED bulbs give off light wavelengths that are attractive to insects like mosquitos; in developing countries especially, this can attract more disease-carrying insects. Longcore and his colleagues showed that the bulbs can be customized to be less attractive to different insect species. The story was also covered by Popular Science.

Public Radio International featured research by Pierrette Hondagneu-Sotelo of sociology about the role of Latino gardeners in the L.A. landscape. "It’s impossible to imagine California gardens without immigrant labor," Hondagneu-Sotelo said.

Los Angeles Times quoted Dan Schnur, director of the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics, about the number of Republicans in the California Assembly.

C-SPAN featured a talk by Richard Fox of history about the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Los Angeles Times cited the USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times Poll finding broad support for legalization of undocumented immigrants in California.

The Economist quoted Dan Schnur, director of the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics, about California Attorney General Kamala Harris running for U.S. Senate.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

The Hindu featured the 2015 Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement, awarded with the support of USC to recognize researchers dedicated to conservation causes.

Monday, March 23, 2015

The Guardian featured research by doctoral student Simon Radford of political science and international relations, and colleagues finding suspicious correlations between big donors in the U.K.'s political system and those awarded "peerage," or titles of nobility. Radford and his colleagues published a study arguing that lifetime appointments to Britain's upper house are, in effect, being sold. The probability required to achieve these results is "approximately equivalent to entering the National Lottery and winning the jackpot five times in a row," they wrote.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

The Sacramento Bee featured an op-ed by Manuel Pastor, Turpanjian Chair in Civil Society and Social Change, and professor of sociology, and American studies and ethnicity, on the long-term implications of President Obama's plan to defer action on the children of undocumented immigrants. "Bad politics will eventually give way to good policy – and successfully implementing the president’s actions is a down payment on the gains that a more comprehensive immigration reform will bring," Pastor wrote.

The Conversation ran an op-ed by Norbert Schwarz, Provost Professor of Psychology and Marketing, and co-director of USC Dornsife’s Mind and Society Center, and research associate Eryn Newman about how the media has fueled vaccination myths in their efforts to debunk them. "Even serious news analyses that confront myths with facts backfire as time passes," Schwarz and Newman wrote.

L.A. Weekly mentioned a moderated discussion involving Jack Halberstam of American studies and ethnicity, gender studies, comparative literature, and English about a fictional account of testosterone use.

Los Angeles Times featured the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at USC, noting that the lineup includes USC Dornsife Writer-in-Residence and Distinguished Professor of English T.C. Boyle, authors Joyce Carole Oates and Malcolm Gladwell, USC alumnus LeVar Burton and more.

Monday, March 16, 2015

The Chronicle of Higher Education featured "Know Thy Selfie," a critical writing assignment designed by Mark Marino of the Writing Program. Marino directs his students to think about how race, gender, sexuality and other identity traits are expressed through "selfies" on social media.

Los Angeles Times quoted Sarah Benor of contemporary Jewish studies about younger Jews finding new forms of community in Los Angeles.

New Orleans Advocate quoted Dan Schnur, director of the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics, about the influence of Grover Norquist on conservative lawmakers.

Latina featured research by USC Dornsife's Center for the Study of Immigrant Integration finding that President Obama's executive action on immigration could lift 40,000 children in California out of poverty.

Friday, March 13, 2015

Discovery featured research by University Professor Tom Jordan, W. M. Keck Foundation Chair in Geological Sciences and professor of earth sciences, and colleagues finding that California faces a bigger chance than previously predicted of facing a powerful earthquake in the next 30 years. Jordan said that advancements in earthquake forecasting have led to the new prediction.

Jewish Journal featured a talk by U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly. Giffords' talk was hosted by USC Dornsife's Casden Institute for the annual Carmen and Louis Warschaw Distinguished Lecture Series.

Los Angeles Times covered research by Jesse Graham of psychology and colleagues finding that political conservatives report greater happiness, but are less likely to display it than liberals. The story was also covered by O.C. Weekly.

Thursday, March 12, 2015

KPCC-FM featured research by USC Dornsife's Brain and Creativity Institute on the impact of musical training on brain development. The findings of a five-year study showed that orchestra students have stronger skills in reading and understanding nuances in conversation. "There’s absolutely no question that moving the arts away from school is a great big mistake," said Antonio Damasio, director of USC's Brain and Creativity Institute. The story also quoted Assal Habibi, the study's lead researcher. The story was also covered by Pacific Standard.

The Huffington Post featured research by USC Dornsife's Center for the Study of Immigrant Integration finding the possibility of political blowback if Republicans continue to block the expansion of the president's deportation relief program.

The Daily Beast quoted Bob Shrum, Carmen H. and Louis Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics and professor of the practice of political science, about the media's antagonism toward former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Korea JoonAng Daily (South Korea) featured a lecture at USC Dornsife's Korean Studies Institute by Park Chan-ho, the first Korean to play in Major League Baseball. Park played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and retired last year.

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Los Angeles Times featured research by USC Dornsife's Center for the Study of Immigrant Integration finding the possibility of political blowback if Republicans continue to block the expansion of the president's deportation relief program. "I think the heated debate over the last couple of years will probably have long-lasting political impacts," said Manuel Pastor of sociology, director of the Center for Immigrant Integration.

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

ABC News Los Angeles affiliate KABC-TV featured a talk by U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly. Giffords' talk was hosted by USC Dornsife's Casden Institute. CW News Los Angeles affiliate KTLA-TV reported that Giffords urged students in the audience to make a difference in their communities.

Scientific American ran a column by James Askew, a doctoral student in human and evolutionary biology, about the importance of play for orangutans.

The Huffington Post mentioned that the USC Shoah Foundation has recorded 52,000 interviews with Holocaust survivors from 56 countries.

Monday, March 9, 2015

Salon featured Michael Messner of sociology and his new book, "Some Men: Feminist Allies and the Movement to End Violence Against Women." Messner discussed men involved in preventing gender-based violence and the need to change cultural notions of masculinity.

O.C. Weekly quoted Viet Nguyen of English, and American studies and ethnicity, about the Vietnamese perspective on the Vietnam War.

Los Angeles Times ran an article by Carol Muske-Dukes of English reviewing several new works of poetry.

Friday, March 6, 2015

Los Angeles Times featured T.C. Boyle, USC Writer in Residence and Distinguished Professor Emeritus of English, who will be honored at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at USC this year with the Robert Kirsch Award for Lifetime Achievement. Boyle has taught at USC since 1978; he was a key figure in establishing the university's creative writing department.

La Opinion featured research by Manuel Pastor of sociology, and American studies and ethnicity, and colleagues on undocumented immigrants living in California without access to any form of health insurance. The study revealed that only 24 percent of undocumented workers are covered by employers.

National Journal cited the USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times Poll finding that former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is better known than other Democrats running for U.S. Senate.

Popular Science featured research by Oleg Prezhdo of chemistry and colleagues on nano-explosives dubbed "buckybombs," which could potentially be used to combat cancer cells or viruses.

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

KPCC-FM's "AirTalk" interviewed Emily Liman of biological sciences about the science of taste.

The Conversation highlighted research by Vitaly Kresin of physics and colleagues finding that small, homogenous clumps of atoms known as “superatoms” are superconductive at warmer temperatures than superconductors currently in use. The discovery of this new family of superconductors could one day lead to more efficient electronic devices that consume less power.

Vox interviewed Jacques Hymans of international relations about the international community's concerns that Iran could build a secret nuclear facility.

KPCC-FM quoted Dan Schnur, director of the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics, about Korean-American politician Grace Yoo and how she has laid the groundwork for a future Asian American to be elected to City Council District 10.

The Press-Enterprise quoted Dan Schnur, director of the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics, about legislation that would return control of Ontario International Airport to the Inland Empire.

Los Angeles Times mentioned that Gen. David Petraeus, now a Judge Widney Professor at USC with appointments at USC Dornsife, met with former President Bill Clinton and USC ROTC students in November.

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Los Angeles Times covered the USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times Poll, finding that most Californians would rather live here than any other state. LAist reported that California voters are willing to accept a higher cost of living for the state's weather, diversity and progressiveness. "Most Californians have decided that they are willing to pay a ‘weather tax’ to live here," said Dan Schnur, director of the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics. The poll was also covered by Associated Press, The Hill, The Modesto Bee and Curbed L.A.

KPCC-FM quoted Dan Schnur, director of the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics, about Los Angeles city charter amendments 1 and 2, which are designed to change election dates for Los Angeles Mayor, City Council and other positions, along with the L.A. Unified School Board.

KPCC-FM interviewed Christian Grose of political science about strategies to increase voter turnout.

Macleans (Canada) cited research by Wendy Wood, Provost Professor of Psychology and Business, finding that people will mechanically eat stale popcorn out of habit.

Gizmag featured research by Vitaly Kresin of physics and astronomy on "superatoms" which could potentially serve as a new type of superconductors.

Friday, February 27, 2015

Los Angeles Times featured the USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times Poll finding that California Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris is unknown by more than half the state’s registered voters. Six in 10 voters have no impression of her, favorable or dim. Dan Schnur, director of the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics, was quoted on the U.S. Senate race for which Harris will campaign.

Mashable cited the USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times Poll finding that the majority of Californians support the statewide ban on plastic bags.

The New York Times mentioned that Gen. David Petraeus, a Judge Widney Professor at USC with appointments at USC Dornsife, met with former President Bill Clinton and USC ROTC students in Novemeber.

Thursday, February 26, 2015

KPCC-FM interviewed Manuel Pastor of sociology and American studies and ethnicity about unemployment and the economy of Los Angeles Council District 8.

San Jose Mercury News cited the USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times Poll about a California ban on single-use plastic bags. Dan Schnur, director of the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics, was quoted about the ban.

The New York Times, in an Associated Press story, reported that Brandon Som, a lecturer in USC Dornsife’s Ph.D. in Creative Writing & Literature program, was recently honored with the $10,000 Kate Tufts Discovery Award. He received the award for his first book, "The Tribute Horse." The award is presented to poets who shows great promise.

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Los Angeles Times cited the USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times Poll finding that 60 percent of California voters support a ban on single-use plastic bags.

Los Angeles Times quoted Dan Schnur, director of the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics, on Los Angeles Charter Amendments 1 and 2, which could potentially move the voting dates of city and school board elections.

The Sacramento Bee quoted Dan Schnur, director of the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics, about former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa declining to run for U.S. Senate.

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

MSNBC's "Melissa Perry-Harris" interviewed Sherman Jackson, King Faisal Chair in Islamic Thought and Culture and professor of religion and American studies and ethnicity, about prejudices faced by America's Muslim community.

Monday, February 23, 2015

Science Friday featured research by Norbert Schwarz, Provost Professor of Psychology and Marketing, finding that when people are hungry, they're more likely to buy more things. Schwarz found that people are more likely to take items – even items that they have no interest in – when they're hungry than when they're not. The story was also covered by U.S. News & World Report in a Healthday News story, The Huffington Post and Healthline.

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

The Scientist ran an article by Jan Amend of Earth sciences and biological sciences, and a colleague on "extremophiles," simple organisms that exist in environments that humans consider harsh and inhospitable. The story highlighted the needs of these organisms – including unusual ways to access energy.

California Lawyer magazine has announced that USC Dornsife Trial Advocacy Program Director Olu Orange of political science has been selected as a 2015 recipient of its coveted California Lawyer Attorney of the Year (CLAY) award, to be presented in March by California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye.

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

The Chronicle of Higher Education ran a remembrance of Betty Freidan by Michael Messner of sociology and gender studies. He noted that in the late 1980s, the strength of USC's gender studies program made it "truly the place to be" for the field. Betty Freidan was an adjunct professor who spoke on campus annually.

The New York Times quoted Valter Longo of gerontology and biological sciences about the role genetics and diet play in longevity. Time featured Longo and how low-protein diets can affect longevity.

KPCC-FM quoted Juliette Hart of the USC Sea Grant Program about King Tides and how they shape L.A.'s beaches.

Merced Sun-Star cited a study conducted by the USC Center for the Study of Immigrant Integration which found that more than half of the undocumented workers in Merced County do not have health insurance.

Friday, February 13, 2015

The Chronicle of Philanthropy included Gary Michelson in its list of the country's top 50 philanthropists, noting that he pledged $50 million to USC's new Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience. While many organizations have approached Michelson for donations over the years, he said he chose USC because no other institution is pursuing the kind of collaborative research that would lead to real world change: "They have a sense of urgency and a vision for how to bring disciplines together to solve problems," Michelson said. Los Angeles Times also covered the story.

KPCC-FM's "AirTalk" interviewed Robert English of international relations about ongoing negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

The Wall Street Journal featured an op-ed by Dan Schnur, director of the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics, on the diplomatic unrest in both the U.S. and Israel over a scheduled U.S. Congressional visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Los Angeles Times quoted Dan Schnur, director of the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics, on an increased interest in student politics this year; a presidential race featuring two female candidates is notably bringing in more female attendance at debates and other events.

Al Jazeera America featured an op-ed by Nick Street of the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture about the concept of secularism and arguing that secularists or those with no religious affiliation are not without moral action.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Los Angeles Times quoted Dan Schnur, director of the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics, on the political implications of the LA City Council's choice to select an operator for the Greek Theatre.

The Chicago Tribune quoted Stephen Smith, executive director of the USC Shoah Foundation, on the histories of the Armenian genocide and the Holocaust. The article mentioned that the USC Shoah Foundation preserves the testimonies of survivors and witnesses of both the Holocaust and Armenian genocide.

Monday, February 9, 2015

The Wall Street Journal reviewed "Lincoln's Body," a new history book by Richard Fox of history. The book examines the impact of Lincoln's likeness on the American people, both at the time of his death as well as through memorials, statues, poems, plays and movies viewed by later generations.

The New York Times quoted Leo Braudy, University Professor and Leo S. Bing Chair in English and American Literature and professor of English, art history and history, about how fame has changed over the course of human history.

The Washington Post, in an Associated Press story, quoted Andrew Hires of biological sciences about a measles outbreak at a Santa Monica daycare.

Los Angeles Times quoted Peter Westwick of history about the collapse of aerospace manufacturing in Southern California.

The Huffington Post quoted Wendy Wood, Provost Professor of Psychology and Business, about the length of time it takes to establish new habits.

Eastsider LA mentioned that George Sanchez of American studies and ethnicity and history led a discussion on the history of Boyle Heights.

Friday, February 6, 2015

Daily Mail featured research by postdoctoral researcher Alberto Robador and colleagues on an undersea aquifer, which has led to the discovery of a new species of microbes capable of breathing sulfate. Researchers drilled through several hundred feet of ocean floor in order to obtain samples. Jan Amend of earth sciences and biological sciences discussed the challenges of the research. The story was also covered by IFL Science.

The Washington Times mentioned that Sherman Jackson, King Faisal Chair in Islamic Thought and Culture and professor of religion and American studies and ethnicity, recently met with President Barack Obama during a conference of Muslim-American leaders.

Thursday, February 5, 2015

The Chicago Tribune ran a Q&A with David Treuer of English about his new book, "Prudence." The novel explores the lives of Native American characters in and around reservations.

The Huffington Post ran an op-ed by Michael Messner of sociology and gender studies about the downsides of an NFL stadium coming to Los Angeles. He also wrote that the sport itself is losing the support of many Americans as they grow familiar with the toll it takes on players. News on the impact of head injures have led to growing unease from parents, who no longer want their children playing the sport.

Reuters cited Jacob Soll of history and accounting about Greece being the victim of "an accounting scandal," with gross debt much lower than official numbers.

The Detroit Free Press mentioned that Sherman Jackson, King Faisal Chair in Islamic Thought and Culture and professor of religion and American studies and ethnicity, recently met President Obama at the White House with numerous other Muslim-American leaders.

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

The New York Times reviewed "Lincoln's Body," a new book by Richard Fox of history about the impact of President Abraham Lincoln's death.

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Fusion quoted John Monterosso of psychology about the Tinder app and how it plays on the brain's needs for goal-directed awards.

Monday, February 2, 2015

KPCC-FM interviewed Manuel Pastor of sociology and American studies and ethnicity about the future of California's state park system.

Sacramento Bee quoted Dan Schnur, director of the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics, about California Attorney General Kamala Harris and her run for U.S. Senate.